Target-trap.



No. 633,308. Patented sept. 24, 19m. H. c. Loan.

TARGET TRAP.

(Application iled Ma r, 25, 1901.)

6 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

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N0. 683,308. Patented Sept. 24, |90l. H. C. LORD.

TARGET TRAP.

(Application led Mar. 25, 1901.\ v

6 sheets-sheet 2.'

www *E Wai/na@ /zz #2:1 far /47/4 m/ No. 683,308. Patented Sept. 24, |90I.`

H. C. LORD.

TARGET TRAP.

[Application led Mar. 25, 1901 t (No Model.) s shees-sheet 3.

No. 683,308. Patented septj24, 19m.

H. C. LORD.

TARGET TRAP.

(Application led Mar. 25, 1901.) (No Model.)

6 She ets-Sheet 4.

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TH: cams Hans 120 pHoro-Lnnov. wAsmua'roN, n c.

No. 683,308. Patented Sept. 24, |9DI. H. C. LORD.

TARGET TRAP.

(Application filed Har. 25, 1901.)

(No Model.) n 6 Sheets-Sheet 5.

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H. C. LORD.

TARGET TRAP.

' (Applicatio led Mar. 25. 1901A Patented Sept. 24, I90I.

s sheets-snm e.

(No Model.)

:Tins oo. rHoTcmTHu.. WASHINGTON n c NITED STAT-Es L PATENT FFIcf-E.

IIGII C. LORD, ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 683,308, dated September 24, 1901.

Application filed March 25,1901. Serial No. 52,758. (No model.)

T ctZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known' that I, HUGH ,(3. LORD, a citizen of the United States, residingfat Erie, in the county of Erie and State of Pennsyl- Vania, have invented certainnewand useful Improvements in Target-Traps; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and eXact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same. i

This invention relates to target-traps g and it consists in certain improvements in the construction thereof, as will be hereinafter fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

The purpose of the invention is to throw inanimate targets, usually made in the form of disks from a composition of clay and pitch. These targets are purposely made very fragile in order that they may readily break on being hit and so indicate the result of a shot. It is desirable that the Hight of the target should imitate the flight of a bird, and to this end a comparatively at trajectory is given to the target by making it disk-shaped and giving to it in its Hight a spinning motion, which holds it substantially in a horizontal plane. To add to the similarity of the flight of a live bird, it is also desirable to vary the direction and elevation at which the target is thrown, so that the same uncertainty will eX- ist in this respect as in the case of a live bird. The flight of the live bird may be still more closely imitated by varying the initial velocity of the targets.i To provide a trap capable of all these methods of iiight or a trap in which any one of them may be effected is within the scope of the purpose of my invention. It is also desirable that convenient means for delivering targets to the machine b'e provided and means by which the trap may be set to throw targets at a position remote from the trap. Such features also are included in my invention.

The invention further consists of the peculiar means for actuating the mechanism and details of construction hereinafter fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

The invention is illustrated in the accom-v panying drawings as follows.

Figure 1 shows asection on the line 1 1 in Figs. 4 and G. Fig. 2 shows a plan View of the machine, the upper working part being re moved. Fig. 3 shows a detail of the bracket for the supporting -plate. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the machine. Fig. 5 shows a side elevation of parts from the right of Figs. 2 and 4. Fig. 6 shows a section on the line 6 6 in Figs. l, 2, and 4. Figs. 7, S, 9, 10, and 1l show details of the magazine, Fig. 7 being a section on the line 7 7 in Figs. 9 and 10, Fig. 8 showing a section on the same line, but including the entire magazine, Fig. 9 being a section on the line 9 in Figs. rZand 8, Fig. 10 being a plan View, and Fig. 11 a bottom view, of the magazine. Fig. 12 shows aside elevation of the clutch and trip mechanism for operating the magazine and delivering mechanism. Fig. 13 is asection on the line 18 13 in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the cam mechanism for o'perating the delivering mechanism and the magazine. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the clutch and trip mechanism for operating the delivering mechanism and the magazine, the parts being in a different position from that shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 17 shows a plan View of the switch for operating the electric pull. Fig. 18 shows a section on the line 18 18 in Fig. 17.

The throwing mechanism- A. marks the baseplate, supported by the front legs A and the rear leg A2. These legs are suitably braced. Extending upwardly from the plate A are the posts A3, between which is pivoted the tilting frame B. The pivotal joint is formed by the pins b2 passing through parts of the frame B and the post A3. Abar b5 eX- tends from an arm h6 on the frame B through a `slot in the plate A. A set-screw a4, passing into the slot in the frame, locks the bar b5, and consequently the frame B,in any pitch desired. Mounted on the shaft c is a disk C. The shaft c is journaled in the arms b of the frame B, preferably with ball-bearings. The disk is adjustable up and down by means of the screw-thread and the lock-nuts c' c', as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 5. Secured to the lower edge of the disk is an annular brush C, with downwardly-extending bristles. These bristles also slant forward or in the direction of movement of the disk as the machine is driven. Directly beneath the brush C' is a supporting-plate D. This is formed by a troughshaped casting d, which forms ab'out threequarters of a circle, beginning at the right center of the machine, as shown in Fig. 4, and

`extending around to the top of said figure.-

extends through a second spider E2, which is secured to and supported by the plate D. A collar e2 holds the pin e in place and supports the weight of the spider E', so that the guide E will move freely over the plate D. Extending upwardly from the arms of the spider is a post E4. A lever E3 is fulcrumed on this post and secured to the pin e. It will readily be seen that by depressing the end of the lever E3 the guide E may be raised, so as to allow the escape of any pieces of target that may be broken in the trap and also for cleaning the plate D. y

The operation of the trap so far as described is as follows: Targets are delivered to the machine at the right-hand side, as shown in Fig. 4, the bottom of the target restingon the plate D, the edge against the cushion E, and the top being in contact with the brush C', the force of the contact initially, however, being very slight. The brush C is rotated continuously at a high rate of speed. Through its contact with the target the target is caused to move. The contact being a yielding one the brush moves relatively by or past the parts of the target engaged and the targetis got under way gradually, so that it is not broken by the shock and is constantly accelerated. As the target gets under Way the centrifugal force crowds it against the cushion E. This retards the outer edge of the target and causes the target to roll on the brush E. As the target approaches the point of discharge the force of the contact of the brush C is increased, so that the target as it leaves the machine has approximately the linear velocity of the brush. The target leaves the machine at a tangent to the brush C at the end of the guide E. The brush C is preferably curved slightly to conform to the ordinary shape of targets, and it is preferably made to operate with the greatest force at the side of the target the most remote from the center of the trap in order that the action of the rotating brush C/ may tend to crowd the target away from the cushion E, so as to relieve the target from some of the crushing strain which otherwise it would have against the cushion E. It will be noted that the brush C' cushions the target, and in the .broader features of my invention I Wish to ilclude a brush comprised in an accelerating means which engages the target whether the target is accelerated by the direct action of the brush or not.

Driving mechansml.-The means for dri ving the disk C is as follows: Arranged on the shaft c is a beveled gear c2 and meshingI this gear is a second gear F. The gearF is fixed on a shaft F. A sprocketfis also fixed on the shaft'F. A chain F2 extends from the sprocket f to a drivin g-sprocket F3. The driv-V ing-sprocket F3 is -fixed in a crank-shaftf. The crank-shaft is jon'rn'aled in a bracket F4, preferablyr with ball-bearings. Secured to the crank-shaft are the cranks f2, on which are the pedals f3. At the rear of the baseplate A is a socket-lug a4, in which there is an opening, and a seat-rod H is secured in this socket by means of a set-screw a3. The seat H is mounted on the seat-rod f4. The opera-A tor sits on the seat, operates the crank and driving-sprocket, and conveys movement to the disk through the mechanism just described. The bracket F4 has a slot f6, which is adapted to come into register with'the slot a in a forwardly-extending arm ct on the leg A2, The slot a' is preferably in an arc, with the pivot formed by the pins b2 as a center. Extending from the pivots b2 and secured thereto is a yoke G', and extending from this yoke is a rod G. The rod G extends through the lugs f4j`4 on the bracket F4 and is adjustable with relation to the bracket F4 by means of the nutfa. It will readily be noted that the slot]C6 allows an end movement of the bracket F4 and that the chain E2 may be tightened by operating the nutsff. The purpose of the slot ct is to allow the cranks to be brought closer or farther from the seat H to accommodate operators of different sizes. XVhateverlooseningortighteningthere is incident to the fact that the pin b2 is not on the same center with the shaft F may be accommodated by the adjusting means just described.

llfecms for varying the directions-ln order that the directions of the targets may be Varied, it is necessary to change the position of the end of the guide E. This may be accomplished in various ways; but I prefer to accomplish it by oscillating the entire guide E. In the mechanism described this is readily done on the pivot-pin e'. Extending outwardly from the end of the spider E' at the vend of the guide E is a lug e3. -Extending downwardly from thislug is a pin c4. Loosely secured at one end to the lower end of the pin e4 is a link I7. The other end of the link I7 is perforated, so that the lugs 4 on the under side of' the plate D may readily pass into the perforation.` A springt? tends to press the link I7 upwardly, so that when it is placed on the lug i4 it is retained in position. As many lugs as desired may be placed on the under side of the plate D, usually five lugs, in order to give the five different directions. The pin e4 should be suflciently long to allow the upward movement of the guide E through the operation of the lever E3, when desired, without disengaging the link I7 from the lug it Where the guide E is locked in position, as

IIO

just described, targets are thrown, as understood bymarksmen, at known angles. It is often desirable to throw targets at unknown angles-that is, at angles unknown to the marksman who is to shoot at the target. This is accomplished in this trap by the following mechanism: Secured to the shaft F', adjacent to the sprocket j", is a spur-gear I. This meshes a spur-gear I', preferably of considerably larger size than the gear I. The gear I' is xed on a shaft l2. The shaft I2 is journaled in the cross-pieces blo and Z111 of the frame B by means of the boxes z' Fixed on the shaft l2 is a beveled gear I3, and meshing this beveled gear is a second beveled gear It. The beveled gear I4 is supported by a bracket t5, extending from the cross-piece b, and is journaled on a pin 6. A rock-lever l5, having the arms e" c", is pivoted between the arms h and h. A link IG extends .from this rocklever I5 to a pin 'i7 on the gear I4. On the under side and at the outer end of the rock-lever l5 is a downwardly-projecting pin This pin is adapted to enter a perforation in the link I7. When an unknown an gle is desired, the link I7 is placed on the lug 2. It will readily be seen that as the rock-lever I5 dis oscillated through the crank formed by the pin 117 and the link Ifi the guide E is also oscillated. The extent of this oscillation is preferably one-quarter of a circle. As the guide E when so connected is constantly in motion the direction of the iiight of the target is dependent entirely upon the moment of delivering the target to the machine and as in the ordinary operation of the machine the machine is out of sight of both the marksman and the one controlling the moment of delivery it will readily be seen that the direction of Hight, so far as the marksman is concerned, cannot be ascertained except by the flight of the target.

llcans for @arg/zing the eZccazft'on-The trajectories may be varied as well as the direction of the targets. I have arranged an automatic means for moving the'tilting frame B. This is accomplished by securing the link K to a pin 7c on the frame and a pin 7c on the gear I. The set-screw a* is loosened when this result is desired. It will readily be seen that as the machine is operated the frame B is constantly oscillated, varying the elevation to which the target is thrown. This automatic variation of the elevation may be thrown out by disengaging the link K and setting the frame B to any angle desired through the link h5 and set-screw e4. When the gear l" is double the size of the gear I3 and the pin 7c set in proper relation to the pin il, ahigher elevation is given to the quarters than the straight-away targets.

llfecms for @drying the discharge velocity of the target-As the acceleration of the target depends upon the force given to it through its contact with the revolving brush C', the velocity of the target may be varied by varying the force of this contact. In the present machine the plate D is pivoted by means of the (In A?) screwphi, having the cone ends between the posts bwhich posts extend upwardly from the tilting frame B. The third point of support of the pla-te D is formed by the bracket d2, (see Figs. 3 and 4,) which is adjustably secured to an arm d3, extending from the inner edge of the plate D. This adjustment is ac,- complished by forming the slot d5 (see Fig. 3) through the bracket d2 and securing it to the arm cl3 by means of a screw-bolt di. A shoulder d6 is arranged on the bracket d2 immediately under the arm d3, and the set-screws 017 are arranged in this shoulder; used to assist in the adjustment of the plate D by screwing them against the bottom edge of the arm d3. A transverse slot d8 passes through the body of the bracket, and in this is arranged `an eccentric J. This eccentric is slidingly mounted on the shaft J2 and has an inwardly-projecting ping', which is adapted to enter a perforation (see dotted line, Fig. 8) in a collar J The collar J is fixed on the shaft I2. It will readily be seen that when the eccentric is pressed inwardly, so as to bring the pinj in the perforation, the eccentric is made to move with the shaft I2 and in rotating raises and lowers through the bracket d2 the plate D. In this manner the distance between the plate D and the brush C is constantly varied, and as this is varied the force of contact upon the target is varied, so that the discharge velocity or distance to which the target is thrown is constantly varied. As this variation is accomplished automatically by the machine, it depends entirely upon the moment when the target is delivered to the trap at what speed the target will be discharged. The discharge velocity of the target is unknown to the marksman and can only be ascertained by the ight of the target itself. The eccentric is held in this position by means of a pin di, which passes through the bracket into the slot d8 and into a groove j in the eccentric. Vtheu it is desired to give to the target a fixed or known velocity, the pin d" is withdrawn from the groove j', the eccentric drawn out, so as to bring the pinj out of the perforation in the collar J and the eccentric is locked in any desired position by placing the pin CZ9 in one of a series of openings jg in the periphery of the eccentric. The pin 9 has a reduced extension which passes through a lug d on the bracket. A spring d10 is tensioned between the lug du and the shoulder CU2 on the pin. A knob @Z13 is provided on the pin, by means of which it may be withdrawn from the groove j or the holes l7'2. By this arrangement it will readily be seen that it may be adjusted to throw at unknown distances or adjusted to known distances and diderent known distances. The gears I3 and Il are of different size, so that the variation in speed due to the eccentric J and the variation in direction due to the oscillation of the lever I5 may be differently timed, so that the directions at which the fastest targets go are constantly varied.

These may befllnmwjq IOO IIO

DeZt'f'Ucrng mecZLctmsm.-By reason of the fact that the machine is constituted to oscillate the guide E it is obvious that a portion `0f the guide will pass beyond the deliveringpoint on the plate D. The targets therefore, cannot be readily delivered with a movement directly in the plane of the plate D, but must be carried under the guide E into position. I accomplish this by providing a deliverer L, Iwhichis adapted to receive a target outside of the guide E, and I mount this deliverer on a shaft Z, which is set at a decided angle to the piane of the plate D. This slant on the shaftZ makes the swing of the deliverer LeXtend as it is swungoutwardlyinadownwardly direction. As the deliverer L is swung from outside of the guide E an upward slant is given to the direction of its forward movement, so that a target may be carried from a position outside of and below the guideE to a position in the plane of the plate D inside of the guide E. The deliverer L is fixed on the shaft Z, and the shaftis journaled ina cross-arm b9 of the frame B. A spring Z' is tensioned on the shaft Z, so as to force the deliverer L inward. A magazine M is arranged just outside of the guide in proper position to drop targets into the deliverer L when' the deliverer is in its outward position. The spring Z is arranged to force the deliverer forward and to thus carry a target to positionin the plate D when the trap is pulled. A buffer Z3, preferably of rubber or similar material, is arranged in the path of an arm Z4 on the deliverer to break the shock at the end of its delivering movement, and a buffer Z5, secured by the screwbolt n on the stud Z913, is arranged to prevent the overrunningof the deliverer in its outward movement. Such a movement would displace the target as the deliverer returned to its final position.

lllccms for actuating the deZ/fvert'ng mecham'sm.-The mechanism for carrying the deliverer to a position under the magazine is as follows: Arranged on the shaft F is a friction-disk P. (See Figs. 12 and 13.) Journaled on the shaft F', preferably by means of the ball-bearings Q, is the clutch-disk Q. The clutch-dog q is pivoted on the pin q, eX- tending from the disk Q. It is provided with a clutch-surface qgand operates by frictional contact in the manner of an ordinary pipe-f wrench. The clutch is normally placed in such a position (see Fig. 12) that it will drop into engagement by its own weight. I prefer, however, to provide the spring g3 to prevent its disengagement as the disk is turned should the machine be operated backward. On one edge of the dog q is a trip-plate g4. On the opposite face of the disk Q is a cam S, and operating against this cam is a lever S. The lever S is pivoted on a pin Z912, secured on the frame B. The lever S' has the arm s, which extends inwardly and is provided on its inner end with a Wearing-surface for operating on the cam. It also has an outwardlyextending arm s'. The voutwardly-extending narm s is connected by the link S v(see Figs'.

2, 4:, and 6) with an arm ZG, extending from the lower end of the shaft Z. (See Figs. 4 and 6.) The cam S is provided with the outwardly-forcin g surface s2, the straight surface s3, and the escaping-surface s4. With the delivererL in the position shown in Fig 2-that is, in position against the plate D-the arms is at the point shown at Yin Figs. 14 and 15. When the clutch-dog q' is dropped into engagement with the disk P, lit locks the disk Qwith the rotating shaft F', and the action of the carnon the arm s forces the arm s toward the rear of the machine, and this, through the connecting-link Z6, swings the deliverer L back under the magazine. The cam continues to move until the straight portion passes by the arm s. The clutch-dog is tripped just before the arm reaches the point X in Figs. 14 and 15. The arm is held ,in this position until the magazine is tripped by a mechanism hereinafter described. When tripped, the spring Z throws the deliverer up under the brush, so as to deliver the target.

Tripping mcchanism--The tripping mechanism is as follows: Secured to the cross-arm h7 of the frame B is a box-shaped frame R, which carries the tripping mechanism. The inner face R of this frame has an opening cut through it to permit the dog q to operate just flush with this face. (See Figs. 13 and 16.) The greater portion of this opening is sufficiently large so that it does notiniiuence the tripping-plate g4, carried by the dog q. Just before, however, the arm s reaches the end of the straight portion s3 of the cam S the trip-plate g4 reaches al tripshoulder r' on the plate R and passes up onto said shoulder. The radius of this trip-plate is suciently large to hold the clutch-dog q out of engagement with the friction-disk l?. Pivoted on the disk Q by means of the pin Q7 is a stop-dog Q6, having the trip-plate Q9 eX- tending therefrom. Aspring qs tends to draw this dog inwardly and to force the trip-plate Q9 outwardly. A stop r2 projects from the plate R in the path of the dog q6 when said dog is at its outer position, as shown in Fig. 16. A swinging trip-arm U is pivoted just on the inside of the plate R (see Fig. 16) and forms a continuation of the shoulder r. A spring u, is tensioned between this swinging arm and a spring-arm r3, which extends outwardly from the plate R. The spring is preferably provided with a thumb-nut u2, by which the spring may be tensioned as desired. The spring holds the swinging arm normally against the plate R' and in the path of the trip-plates Q4 and Q9. Beneath the arm U is a catch-arm V, having at its end a catch o for engaging the swinging arm' U, and immediately to the rear of the arm U is a shoulder t', between which and the catch fu the arm U is held. Arranged on the disk Q are the cams g5. The shoulder o is in the path of these cams, so that immediately after the trip-plate 14 or Q9 passes the swinging arm U IOO IIO

esaeds 5 the catch-arm V is forced downwardly by a cam g5, so as to relieve the arm U from the catch r. The catch-arm V is pivoted onthe armature-frame V', and this is pivoted at 1'5 on the under side of the top part of the frame R. A pin 'v2 extends downwardly from the catch-arm V, and a spring o3 extends from the end of the pin o2 to the arm r3. A thumbnut o4 is provided, by which the tension of the spring 'U3 maybe varied. It will be noted that the spring o3, operating, as it does, on an angle, draws the catch-arm V both upwardly and forwardly. Magnetic coils W (see Fig. 6) are secured on the under side of the top part of the frame R by means ofa plate R2. The plate R2 is provided with the slots T5, (see Fig. 2,) and the screw-bolts r4 are passed through these slots into the top plate. By this means the coils W, which are carried by the plate R2, can be adjusted to and from the armature o6, as desired.

The operation of this trip device is as follows: With the clutch mechanism as shown in Figs. l2 and 13 the deliverer is at the position clearly shown in Fig. 2 and the end of the arm s is at the pointY. (See Figs. leand 15.) The current is turned into the coils W, and this, attracting the armature, causes an outward movement of the catch-arm V. This carries the swinging "trip-arm U out from under the trip-plate g4. rThe clutch-dog then immediately drops into engagement with the disk P, and the clutch-disk Q is turned with the shaft F. This action turns the cam S around, so as to bring the arm s up onto the straight part s3 of the cam. The deliverer of course reaches a position under the magazine at the moment the arm reaches the straight portion s3. The clutch mechanism, however, remains in engagement until the straight portion s3 has passed by the arm s for the purpose of operating the magazine, as hereinafter described. Just as the point X reaches the end of the arm s the trip-plate g4 strikes the trip-shoulder r and throws the clutchdog out of engagement. During the move- 4ment of the disk Q through the clutch action just described the trip-plate q of the stopdog Q6 has come into contact with the tripshoulderr and moves the stop-dog to its outer position. The dog q is held in its outer position as the trip-plate q" is passed over the shoulder r and swinging trip-arm U, and just before the trip-plate q passes the swinging trip-arm U the stop-dog comes in contact with the stop r2 on the plate R, and the disk is brought to rest at this point, the deliverer being under the magazine. When it is desired to deliver a target, the current is turned into the coil the second time by the switch, hereinafter described. This carries the swinging arm U from under the trip-plate (19 and permits the spring qs to draw the stop-dog Q6 ont of engagement with the stop r2, so that the disk Q is free to move forward. The end of the arm s resting on the straight portion will not, of course, effect a forward movement 'by the action of the escape-surface sL the cam 7 5 S forces the disk Q in a forward direction, so j as to bring the trip-plate q", with the swingingtrip-arm U, in position for a second operation, when the operation just hereinbefore described may be repeated. 8o

The onagavztner-'lhe magazine M comprises the main ring or frame m; Extending from this is an arm nt'. extends from the arm m' through an arm bs of the tilting frame B and is fixed with a rockarm 'm2 by means of a squared end. (See Fig.. ft.) The rock-arm m2 is connected by a link m3 with the arm A4, extending from the frameplate A. The link mi is connected with the arm m2 by a joint m4 and with the arm A1 9o by a joint d5. The length of the arm m2 is exactly the distance between the pivots b2 extended and the joint a5. The joint fm4 is in the saine relation to the pin extending through the end of the arm b3 as is the joint 95 a5 to the pin b2. By this paralleling mechanism the magazine is kept at the same angle Y to a horizontal plane whatever angle may be given to the swinging frame. By this arrangement the magazine may be tilted, so ron that the entire weight of the target is not placed upon the dropping mechanism, and at the same time the angle does not become so great through a movement of the tilting frame but what the target will drop freely. The frame-ring m of the magazine is provided with three slots m5, in which the drop-dogs are placed. Beneath each of these slots m5 is a supporting-lip m8. (See Fig. 9.) Extending up through this lip and into the main I 1o portion of the frame-ring are the pins 'm7, on which the drop-dogs are pivoted. The drop mechanism comprises generally a lower stop m8 and a presser-dog m15. These are arranged to be brought into action alternately, so that when the stop m8, which is at the bottom, is drawn out from n nder the bottom target the presser-dog m15 engages the next to the lowermosttarget and supports thecolumn, while the stop 'nts is withdrawn. The stop 12o m8 is provided with a hub m9, and this hub is journaled on the pivot-pin m7. Extending from the hub m9 is the arm m10. These arms are connected by means of a plate mu. The plate is secured to each arm by means of the pin m12.` A spring m13 is connected with the plate m11 and a pin on, which extends from the frame-ring m. This spring tends to normally hold the plate m in position to hold the stop-dog m8 at its inward position or un- 13o der the lowermost target in the magazine and to hold the presser-dog m15 within the recess m5. The presser-dog m15 is provided with the hub lm1, which is pivoted on the pin A pin (seo -6)- .i

35 anism hereinafter described.

55 .Fig.16.

mi, and is also provided with the outwardlyextending arm m17. The arms m17 engage the shoulders m18 on the upper surface of the ring'ml. The springs m19 extend from the arms to the ins m in the rinrr m and force `the arms m17 intol engagement with the shoul ders m18. As the ring m11 is forced around against the tension of the spring m13, so as to drawthe stop m8 from under the lowermost 1o target, the springs m19 compel the presser dogs to follow this movement by keeping the arms m17 in cont-act with the shoulders m18 until the presser-dogs m15 come in contact with the next to the lowermost target. The

15 moment of contact, of course, should precede the time when the dog m8 is entirely from under the lowermost target. A continued movement of the plate m carries the stop-dog m8 out from under the lowerniost target. Of

zo course the presser-dog does not follow this movement, but -is held in engagement with the next to the lowermost target by the full tension of the spring m19, and this tension should be sufficient to sustain the desired number of targets in the magazine. In order that the presser-dogs m15 may not engage .an upper portion of the lowcrmost target in the magazine as the stop-dog m8 is withdrawn from under it, the stops m23 are provided.

3o These engage the ring and limit the inward movement of the presser-dog, so as to prevent this result. A contact-shoulder m21 is arranged on the plate m11, by means of which the magazine may be operated by the mech- Secured to the upper surface of the frame-ring m and eX- tending upwardly is a guide m22 for supporting a column of targets. The opening to the guide, of course, should be toward the upper 4u side of the magazine, as shown, and this is toward the operator, so that the targets may be .conveniently placed in the magazine by the operator.

Means for actuating the magazine-In the operation of the magazine the deliverer is brought under the magazine by the mechanism hereinbefore described, and just as the deliverer reaches a position under the magazine, the magazine should be open, so as to 5o permit the dropping of the lowermostV target.

6o gets it is difficult to sustain the column by means of the presser-dogs m15, and of course if the stop-dogs m8 are held at their outer position during the-time that the deliverer is under the magazine if a second target works past the presser-dog m15 it is dropped onto the deliverer and the machine is blocked.- I prefer, therefore, as above stated, before the y shoulder m21.

operation of bringing the'deliverer under the magazine is completed to have the drop-dogs brought to the position shown in Fig. i). Vhen this is done, the lowermost target then rests on the stop m8, and of course there is no possibility of its disengagement from this position by the jar of the `machine. The machine herein shown is designed to so operate. Extending downwardly from the arm be of the frame Bis a lug Z913. A rock-arm N is journaled on a pin n, secured to this lug. The end 0f this arm N is curved with the center of the pin supporting the magazine as a center, and it is also arranged to contact the shoulder m21 as it is rocked. It will readily be seen that by so curving the arm it is immaterial in what position the magazine may be by reason of the tilting of the frame, so far as the moment of tripping is concerned. Extending forwardly from this arm is a short arm n'. A leverT (see Figs. l5, 5, and 2) is pivoed to the frame B on the piu Z712. This lever has the two arms t4 and t5. The link T2 connects the arm t5 with the arm fn. of the rock-arm N. Arranged on the disk Q outside of and concentric with the cam S, which may be termed the delivcrer-cam, is a cam T, which may be termed the magazinecam. The cam T has the shoulder t, working portion t', a straight portion t2, andan escape-surface t3. A spring T3 is secured to a pin t6 (see Fig. 2) on the frame B and to the arm t4 and tends to draw the arm 254 toward the cam T. The end ofthe arm t4 is provided with the wearing-pin 157, (see dotted line,) and this is arranged in the patlrof the cam. When the clutch mechanism is in the position shown in Fig. 12, the pin t7 will be at the point Y- that is, against the shoulder t. The purpose of this shoulder is to prevent the overrunning of the disk Q by reason of the action of the spring Z operating through the lever S' on the escape portion s4 of the cam S. Should an overrunning take place, it would carry the trip-plate g4 beyond the swinging triparm U. This would allow the dog to drop into engagement, so that the deliverer might be retracted before the proper delivery of the target. When the trip-arm U is withdrawn, ashereinbefore described, the clutch causes the cam to operate, and the pin 157 is forced outwardly by the action of the camsurface t. This moves the arm t5 toward the rear and draws the rock-arm N toward the The adjustment of the parts is such that the rock-arm N is brought into contact with the shoulder m21 just before the end of the arm s reaches the' straight portion s3 of the cam S. The continued operation of the cam opens the magazine just as the deliverer is brought in place under the magazine. The straightportion t2 ofthe cam makes a pause, whichnholds the magazine open a sufficient length of time to permit the dropping of the lowermost target. Just before the trip-plate Q4 reaches the trip-shoulder r the bearing-pin t7 passes the end of the straight IIO portion t2 down onto the escape portion t3 of' the magazine-cam and is therefore pressing the disk Q forward before the clutch-dog is tripped. When the pin t7 has reached about the point X', the stop-dog qb comes in contact with the stop r2. It will be noted that when the parts are in this position the stopdog is relieved of the pressure of the coinparatively heavy spring Z' and is subject only to the forwardly-acting pressure of the spring T3. This pressure, while sufficient to cause the starting movement of the disk Q, is so slight upon the stop as to permit of the use of a very light spring qs, and such a spring as qs, acting upon the trip-plate Q9, exerts so little pressure upon the swinging arm U that the frictional resistance of the tripping movement of the arm U is very slight. When the swinging arm U is drawn from under the trip q, the spring g8 withdraws the stop-dogl Q6,

and the action of the spring T3 on the arm t4' and the escape caln portion t3 forces the disk Q forward a sufficient distance to carry the end of the arm s past the point X, and of course at this point the deliverer is carried forward by the spring Z'. The overrunning of the mechanism is stopped by the shoulder t, as described. During this action the rocklever N is simply moved a farther distance from the shoulder m21. The magazine of course is brought to its normal position with the pin t7 at the point X', so that the dropping of the column of targets takes place before the completion of the operation.

Controlling-switch. It is desirable to have a switch which with a single operation will make the two pulls, so as to trip the deliver ing mechanism'to deliver targets, give the necessarypause to the' upper position of the delivering apparatus to permit the target to properly enter the machine, and then to make the second pull, so as to return the delivering apparatus to the position under the magazine ready for the next target. The switch for accomplishing this purpose (see Figs. 17 and 18) is as follows: A switch-frame W', preferably. of wood or some insulating material, is turned,

with the annular shoulder w11, around the upper edge. Two contact-plates 202 and 103, with the spring portions wg and i010, are secured on the upper surface of the cavity formed in the upper surface of the frame. The spring-surfaces L09 and w10 preferably just come (lush with the top edge of the annular shoulder w11.

A crank 205 is secured to the center of the frame by the screw 106. of the crank is a cam fw?, having the flat portion 108. A contact-brush 104 is secured in the shoulder w11 and is arranged below the surface of the contact-s wg w10 and rests against Forming a part of the hub contacts 109 w10. The wires 10 and i0', forming the two sides of the circuit, are connected with the brush 104 and the contacts 109 w19, respectively. It will be noted that the circuit is closed through the contact 209 immediately upon the starting of the crank. This trips 'the delivering mechanism and delivers the targets. As the crank is turned forward a pause is made between the time it leaves the con tact rL09 and reaches the contact w10. During this time the delivering operation is com? pleted. The crank then closes the circuit through the contact 1010, and this makes the second pull and brings the delivering apparatus under the magazine. The pause during the continued movement of the crank to its normal position (shown in Fig. 17) gives the necessary time for this return movement of the delivering mechanism. The length of the crank may be adjusted to give the proper pause between the contacts even with the most rapid movement of the crank that may be effected by hand, so that a perfect operation may be assured with each revolution. It will be noted that if the crank is arrested on the contact @09, so that the `catch-lever V is held in its outer position, the machine-fillcmake but a single operation, because the catch 0 will be forced out of engagement through the action of the cam g5 acting upon the shoulder 0'. Each operation, therefore, must be accompanied by a voluntary act of the operator.

Speed adiccion-4t is desirable that some means may be provided whereby a uniform speed must be maintained in order that one marksman may not be favored over another. I provide such a mechanism as follows, (see Figs. 14 and 6:) Pivoted at o on the disk'C is an arm O. At one side of the arm is a projection o'. Extending downwardly through the disk (see Fig. 1) is a pin o2, and secured to this pin is a spring o3. The end of the spring is straightened and passes through a 4shoulder 04 on the under side of the disk.

A thumb-nut is secured on the end of the spring, so that the tension of the spring may be Varied. The directions of the spring-and lug o' are preferably such as to give the arm O normally a position extending toward the axis of the machine. A stop o* is provided to prevent an outswinging of the arm O should the machine be run at an excessive speed. A bell is secured tothe free end of the arm O. There is preferably arranged on top of the bell a raised portion o7. Secured to the under side of one of the arms of the spider Eis a spring-tappet o8. The tappet is so placed and the tension of the spring so adj ustedthat the tappet will be in the path of the raised portion o7 when the machine is running at the desired speed. With any excessive speed the raised portion is carried outside of the tappet, and where the speed is decreased below what is desired as a minimum the raised portion is drawn in by the spring outfof the path of the tappet. The range between .the maximum and minimum IOO IIO

speed at which it is desired that the machine may operate can be regulated by the length of the raised portionthat is, the portion which comes in contact with the tappetor by a variation in the arrangement of the spring, whereby a difference in the variation inthe tension is effected in relation to a given movement of the bell. It will be noted, therefore, that this indicator. indicates not only a snfcient speed, but also indicates when an excess of speed is reached. It Will also vbe noted that should the guide E be raised to allow the removal lof aV broken target it Will carry the tappet out of the path of the bell, so that the person operating the pull may be immediately apprised of the fact.

I claimy 1. In a target-trap, a means for accelerating a target by a movement of the means past and in contact With the target.

2. In a target trap, the combination of means for accelerating a target by a movement of the means past and in contact with the target; and means for increasing the force of contact as the target is accelerated.

3. In a target-trap, a continuously-operating means/for'accelerating a target by a move- `PJ/'ment of the means past and in contact with the target.

4t.v In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating means for accelerating a target by a movement of the means past and in contact with thetarget; and means Afor increasing the force of contact as the target is accelerated.

5. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating means for accelerating the target; and means for delivering the targets to said means at a point on said means having the speed of the means at the point of discharge.

6. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating means for accelerating the target; and means for delivering the targets to said means at a point on said means having the speed of the means at the point of discharge, said accelerating means yieldingly engaging said target.

7. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating means for accelerating the target, said means engaging the target with a yielding resistance.

8. In atarget-trap, a means for accelerating a target with greater speed at one side than at the other to impart rotary movement tothe target, said acceleration being effected by a movement of the means past and in contact With the target.

9. In a target-trap, the combination of a means for accelerating a target by a movement of the means past and in contact with the target; and means for imparting to the target rotary motion.

l0. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuonsly-operating means for accelerating a target by a movement of the means past and in contact with the target; and means for imparting to the target rotary motion.

Il. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating means for acceleratin'g the target With greater speed at one side than at the other to impart rotary motion to the target; and means for delivering the targets to said means at a point on said acceleratingmeans having the speed of the accelerating means at the point of discharge.

l2. In a target-trap, the combination of a means for accelerating the target by a movement of the means past and in contact with the target; means for engaging one side of the target and imparting to it a speed less than that of the body of the target to give it a rotary motion.

13. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously operated accelerating means; and a shoulder arranged in the path of a target actuated by the accelerating means and adapted to engage a side of the target to impart rotary motion to it and being in the direction at the discharge in line With the flight of the target.

14. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operated accelerating means; and a shoulder arranged in the path of a target actuated by the accelerating means and adapted to yieldingly engage a side of the target to impart rotary motion to it and being in the direction at the discharge in line with the Hight of the target.

15. In a target-trap, the combination of a supporting-plate; a guide adjacent to said plate; means for accelerating a target on said plate and against said guide; and a continuouslyoperating mechanism for acting upon said accelerating means.

16. In a target-trap, the combination of a supporting-plate; a guide adjacent to said plate, said guide having a direction, at the ldischarge, in line with the direction of Hight of the target; means for accelerating a target on said plate andv against said guide; and a continuously-operating mechanism for acting upon said accelerating means to give to it its accelerating movement.

17. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means; an annular driving-surface arranged on said means and adapted to accelerate a target by its engagement, said surface being arranged in the direction of the light of the .target at the discharge. 18. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; and an annular driving-surface arranged on said means and adapted to accelerate the target by its engagement.

I9. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; an annular driving-surface arranged on said means and adapted to accelerate the target by its engagement;

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and means for increasing the force of the engagement of the driving-surface with the target.

20. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; and an annular vdriving-surface on said means adapted to accelerate a target by a movement past and in engagement with the target. 4

21. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; and an annular driving-surface on said means for accelerating a target with a rotary motion by its engagement therewith.

22. In a target-trap, the combinationof a rotary accelerating means; an annular driving-surface on said means adapted to engage and accelerate a target; and a guide adjacent to said surface for guiding the target in relation thereto.

23. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotary accelerating means; an annular driving-surface on said means adapted to engage Aand accelerate a target; and a supportingplate opposite said drivin g-surface and adapted to hold the target in engagement with said means.

24. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotary accelerating means; an annular driving-surface on said means adapted to engage and accelerate a target; a guide adjacent to said surface for guiding the target in relation thereto; and a supporting-plate opposite said driving-surface for holding said target in engagement.

25. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means comprising a cushioningbrush arranged to engage the target; and means for imparting motion to the accelerating means.

26. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means comprising a cushioningbrush arranged to engage the target; and means for imparting con tin nous motion to the accelerating means. y

2,7. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating `means comprising a brush forming a driving-surface to cushion a target and to accelerate a target by its engagement; and means for imparting motion to said accelerating means.-

28. In a target-trap, the combination ot' an accelerating means comprising a brush forming a driving-surface to cushion a target and to accelerate a target by its engagement; and means for imparting continuous movement to said accelerating means.

29. In a target-trap, the combination with an accelerating means comprising an annular brush; and means for supporting and forcing the target into engagement with said brush.

30. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means comprising an annular brush; a supporting-plate opposite said brush in position to support a target and to hold the target in engagement with said brush during the accelerating movement.

31. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means comprising an annular brush; and an arc-shaped guide adjusted to `said brush and adapted to guide a target in proper relation to said brush.

32. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means comprising an annular brush, a supporting-plate opposite said brush to hold a target in contact with said brush; and an arc-shaped guide adjusted to said brush to guide a target in proper relation to said brush.

33. In a target-trap, the combination of an arc-shaped supporting-plate; and an accelerating means arranged over said plate; Said means comprising a brush forming a drivingsurface to engage a target on the plate and accelerate the target by its engagement.

34. In a target-trap, the combination of an arc-shaped supporting-plate an accelerating means comprising a driving-brush arranged over said plate and an arc-shaped guide having a brush-cushion for guiding said target on said plate.

35. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a brush for retarding one side of the target to give it a rotary motion.

36. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means; and a brush for retarding one side of the target to give it a rotary motion.

37. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means, having a driving-surface; and a brush-guide adjacent to said driving-surface, and in line with the direction of its movement, engaged by a target actuated by said driving-surface.

38. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means, havingan annular driving-surface thereon; and an arcshaped guide adjacent to said driving-surface, said guide being provided with a brushcushion.

39. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means comprising an annular brush; an arc-shaped guide adjacent to said brush and having a brush-cushion thereon.

40. In a target-trap, the combination of the disk, C; means for rotating said disk; the annular brush; C; the plate, D, opposite said brush; and the arc-shaped guide, E, having the brush-cushion adjacent to the brush; C'.

4l. In a target-trap; the combination of an 'accelerating means comprising an annular brush engaging the target With greater force at the side more remote from the axis of the brush-support; and said brush-support.

42. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotary accelerating means, having a drivingsurface thereon; a supporting-plate opposite said driving-surface; a guide adjacent to said accelerating means and on said plate; and means for moving said guide away from said plate for the purpose described.

43. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotary accelerating means; a shaft by which `said means is carried; a su pporting-plate ad- IOO jacent to said accelerating means; and means for adjusting said accelerating means toward and from said plate.

44. In a target-trap, the combination with an accelerating means comprising a brush, the elements of said brush being inclined in the direction of the accelerating movement of the accelerating means; means forimparting movement to said accelerating means.

45. In a target-trap, the combination of means for accelerating the targetby a movement of the means past and in contact with the target; and means for varying the direction of the flight of said target.

46. In a target-trap, the combination of means for accelerating the target by a movement of the means past and in contact With the target; and means for automatically varying thedirection of the flight of said target.

47. In a target, the combination of a continuously-operating means for acceleratinga target by a movement of the means past and in contact with the target; and means for varying the direction of the flight of the target.

4S. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating means for accelerating the target; and means for delivering the target to said means at a point on said means having the speed of the means at the point of discharge; and means for varying the di-v rection of flight of the target.

49. In a target-trap, the 4combination of a continuously-operating means for accelerating a target; and m'eans for varying the direction of the flight of the target irrespective of the startingof the accelera ting movement of the target. 1

` 50. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a guide for controlling the direction of the flight of the target; and means for oscillating said guide relatively to said accelerating means to vary the direction of the flight of the target.

5l. In atarget-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a guide for controlling the direction of the flight of a target; and means for continuously oscillating said guide to vary the flight of the target.

52.. In a' target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means; a guide for controlling the direction of the flight of the target; and means for oscillating said guide to vary the Hight of the target.

53. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means; a guide for controlling the direction of the liight ofthe target; and means for continuously'oscillating said guide to vary the ilight of the target.

54. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; a guide adjacent to said means for guiding the target in proper relation to said means and for controlling the direction of iiight of the target; and means for varying the position of said guide to vary the direction of flight.

55. In a target-trap, the combination of a ceases rotating accelerating means; a guide adjacent to said means for guiding the target in proper relation to said means and for controlling the direction of flight of the target; and means for continuously varying the position of said guide to vary the direction ot' night.

56. In a target-trap, the combination of a supporting-plate; a guide adjacent to said plate; means for oscillating said guide on said plate; means for accelerating a target on said plate and against said guide.

57. In a target-trap, the combination of a supporting-plate; a guide adjacent to said plate; means for oscillating said guide on said plate; means for accelerating a target on said plate and against said guide; and a continuously-operating mechanism for operating upon said means and for actuating said oscillating guide.

58. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; an arc-shaped guide adjacent to said accelerating means;

means for locking said guide in different positions to vary the iiight of the target; and means for securing said guide to a continuously-oscillating mechanism to automatically vary the direction of the flight of the target.

59. In a target-trap, the combination with a means for controlling the direction of flight of the target; means for locking said controlling means in one position; means for connecting said controlling means to automatically vary the flight of targets; and a spring for holding said locking and connecting means in an operative position.

60. In a target-trap, the combination with a means for controlling the direction of iiight of targets; the link, I7 controlling said means; means for locking said link in position; and a spring for holding said link in said locking position.

6l. In a target-trap, the combination of the guide, E; the spider, E', carrying said guide; a journal for said spider; a rotating accelerating means adjacent to said guide; a plate opposite said accelerating means beneath said guide; and means for lifting said guide from said plate.

62. In a target-trap, the combination of the plate, D; the disk, C, having the brush, C thereon; the guide, E; spider, E; a journal for said spider; the link, I7, on said guide; an oscillating lever adapted to be connected With said link; and means for driving said disk and oscillating lever.

63. In a target-trap, the combination with an accelerating means; of means for automatically actuating the trap to varythe elevation of the target. l

64. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a continuously-operatin g mechanism for actuating said means; and means actuated by said mechanism for continnously operating the tra-p to vary the elevation of the target.

65. In a target-trap, the combination of a IOO IIO

continuously-operating accelerating means; and means for automatically actuating the trap to vary the elevation of the target.

66. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means; a mechanism for actuating said accelerating means; and means operated by said mechanism for actuating the trap to continuously vary the elevation of the target.

67. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means; means for automatically varying the direction of flight of the targets from said trap; and means for automatically increasing the elevation of the targets on quarter.

68. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; means for varying the direction of iiight of the target; means for varying the elevation of the target; and means for continuously actuating each of said means.

69. In a target-trap, the combination of a means for accelerating a target by a movement of means past and in contact With the target; and means for automatically actuating the trap to vary the elevation of the target.

70. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; a driving-surface on said means; an oscillating guide adjacent to said driving-surface, said guide controlling the direction loi flight of saidtarget; and means for automatically increasing the elevation of the trap with the guide arranged to throw t-argets at quarter.

71. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; a driving-surface on said means; an oscillating guide adjacent to said surface means for continuously oscillating said guide; and means for continuously actuating said trap to increase the elevation of the target at quarters.

72. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; and means for automatically varying the discharge velocity of the target.

73. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means; and means actuated by said mechanism for automatically varying the discharge velocity of the target.

74E. In a targettrap, the combination of a continuouslyoperating accelerating means; and means for automatically varyi'n g the d-ischarge velocity of the target.

75. In a target-trap, the combination of a means for accelerating a target by a movement of the means past and in contact with the target; and means for varying the force of contact to vary the discharge velocity of the target.

76. In a target-trap, the combination of a means for accelerating a target by a movement of the means pastand in contact with the target; and means for automatically varying the force of contact to vary the discharge velocity of the target.

77. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operatin g means; a driving-sur; face on said means adapted to engage and accelerate a target; and means for varying the force of said engagement to vary the dis charge velocity of the target.

78. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means adapted to accelerate a target by a movement of the means past and in Contact with the targtand' means for varying the discharge velocity of the target by varying the force of contact between said means and the target. Y

79. In a target-trap, the combination of an e posite said means; and means for varying the position of said supporting-plate relatively to the accelerating means to vary the discharge velocity of the target.

82. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means,having a drivingsurface thereon, adapted to engage and accelerate a target by said engagement; a supporting-plate opposite said driving-surface; and means for varying the position of said plate relatively to said driving-surface to vary the discharge velocity of the target.

83. In a target-trap, the combination of an annular brush; means for rotating said brush; a supporting-plate opposite said brush; and means for automatically vibrating said plate to vary the discharge velocity of the target.

84:. In a target-trap, the combination of means for accelerating a target; means for automatically varying the direction of Hight of said target; and means for automatically varying the velocity of the target.

85. In a target-trap, the combination of means for accelerating a target; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means; means for varying the direction oi' night of said target.; and means for automat ically varying the discharge velocity of the target.

86. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means; means actuated by said continuously operating mechanism for varying the direction of the flight of the target; and means controlled by said continuously-operating mechanism for varying the discharge velocity of the target.

87. In a target-trap, the combination of a IOO IIO

continuously-operating accelerating means; means for Varying the .direction of flight of the target; and means for automatically'varying the discharge velocity of the target.

Y 88. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means; means for automatically varying the direction of flight of the target; and means for automatically varyin g the discharge velocity of the target.

89. In a target-trap, the combination of :nc-ansfr accelerating a target by a move ment of the means past and in contactwith the target; means for varying the direction of flight of the target; and means for automatically varying the discharge velocity of the target.

90. In a target-trap, the combination of means foraccelerating a target; means for varying the elevation of the target; means for automatically varying the discharge velocity of the target.

91. -In a target-trap, the combination of means for accelerating the target; means for varying the elevation of the target; means for varying the direction of ilight of the target; and means for automatically varying the discharge velocity of thetarget.

92. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; means for automatically varying the elevation of the target; means for automatically varying the direction of the iight of the target; and means for varying the discharge velocity of the target.

93. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotary accelerating means; a driving-surface on said means; a plate opposite said drivingsurface; means for vibrating said plate relatively to said driving-surface to vary the discharge velocity of the target; means for automatically tilting said plate and accelerating means to vary the elevation of the target a guide adjacent to said driving means; and means for automatically oscillating said guide to vary the direction of the flight of the target.

94. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating means for accelerating a target by a movement past and in contact with the target; and means for delivering targets to said means.

95. In a target-trap, the combination of a means for accelerating targets adapted to actuate a target by a movement of the means past and in contact with the targets; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means; a delivering mechanism having a return movement and a delivery movement; and means actuated by said mechanism for operating said delivering mechanism in one direction.

96. In a target-trap, the combination with a means for accelerating targets by a movement past and in contact With the target; -a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means a delivering mechanism; a spring for actuating said delivering mechanism or delivering a target; and means for coupling said delivering mechanism withsaid continuously-operating mechanism to return the parts to normal. A

97. In a target-trap, the combination with a means for accelerating targets by a movement past and in contact with the target; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means; delivering mechanism; a spring for actuating said delivering mechanism for delivering a target; a mechanism for returning said delivering mechanism to normal; a friction-clutch for locking said mechanism with continuously-operating mechanism; and means for throwing said clutch out of engagement at the completion of the return movement of the delivering mechanism.

98. In a target-trap, the combination With a means for accelerating targets by a movement past and in contact with the target; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means; delivering mechanism; a spring for actuating said delivering mechanism for delivering a target; a mechanism for returning said delivering mechanism to normal; a friction-clutch for locking said mechanism with said continuously-operating mechanism; and means for throwing said clutch out of engagement at the completion ofthe return movement of the delivering mechanism, and for locking said delivering mechanism in position against the tension of the spring at the completion of said movement.

99. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotating accelerating means; a driving-surface on said means; a guide adjacent to said driving-surface and in the plane of the target as it is accelerated; means for oscillating said guide; and a delivering means for carrying a target from Without said guide to position in contact with said driving-surface.

100. In a target-trap, the combination of a rotary accelerating means; a driving-surface on said means; a supporting-plate opposite said driving-surface a guide onv said supporting-plate and in the plane of movement of the target on said plate; and means for delivering a target from Without said guide to aposition on said plate.

101. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a driving-surface on said 1n eaus a plate opposite said means, said plate being pivoted; a continuously operating mechanism for driving said accelerating means; an eccentric driven by said mechanism and operating upon said plate to vibrate said plate; a delivering mechanism for delivering targets upon said plate, the line ofthe axis of the pivot being adjacent to the point of delivery.

102. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a delivering mechanism for delivering targets to said means; a driving mechanism for driving said means;,the friction-disk,P,driven by said driving means; the clutch-dog, 'QQ for engaging said disk; a connecting mechanism between said clutch and said delivering mechanism, whereby said IOO IIO

IIS

esa-ece delivering mechanism may be moved in one direction by the action of said clutch; the trip-plate, g4; the trip-shoulder, r',- the swinging trip-arm, U, arranged in the path of the trip-plate, g4; and means for actuating the swinging trip-arm, U.

103. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a delivering mechanism for delivering targets to said means; a driving mechanism for driving said means; the friction-disk, P,driven by said driving means; the clutch-dog, q', for engaging said disk; a connecting mechanism between said clutch and saiddeliverin g mechanism, whereby said delivering mechanism may be moved in one direction by the action of said clutch; the trip-plate,q4; the tri p-shoulder, r; the swinging trip-arm, U, arranged in the path of the trip-plate, g4; means for actuating the swinging trip-arm, U; the stop, r2; the stop-dog, Q6; and the trip-plate, Q9, on the stop-dog, said trip-plate, Q9, being arranged to rest on the swinging trip-arm, U, with the stop-dog in position against the stop, r2.

104. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means a continuously-operating m echanism for actuating said means; a magazine having a stop-dog normally closed at the bottom thereof; a presser-dog normally open adapted to engage the next to the bottom target when the stop-dog is open; and means actuated by said continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said magazine to open the stop-dog, close the presser-dog, and then close the stop-dog and open the presser-dogin one operation.

105. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a mechanism for actuating said means; a magazine having a normally closed stop dog a normally open presser-dog; a cam operated by said actuating mechanism; a connecting mechanism between said cam and said magazine, said cam operating upon said connecting mechanism to open the stop-dog and to close the presserdog, to form a pause in the movement of the connecting mechanism and then to permit a return movement of the connecting mechanism and magazine parts before the completion of the operation.

106. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a mechanism for actuating said means; a magazine having a stopdog normally closed and a presser-dog normally open; a cam; a clutch mechanism for locking said cam with the actuating mechanism; a connecting mechanism actuated by said cam for controlling the magazine, said cam operating upon said connecting mechanism to effect an opening of the stop-dog and closing of the pressendog; a pause in the movement, the closing of the stop-dog and opening of the presser-dog; and a mechanism for throwing said clutch out of engagement at the completion of said operation.

, 107. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means; a magazine adjacent tosaid accelerating means; a delivering mechanism arranged to carry a target from the magazine to the accelerating mechanism; means for coupling the delivering mechanism with a continuously-operating mechanism to effect a movement of said delivering mechanism in one direction; and means actuated by said continuously-operating mechanism for delivering a target from the magazine to the delivering mechanism.

108. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said means; a magazine; mechanism for delivering targets from the magazine to the accelerating means; a cam mechanism; means for locking said cam mechanism with a continuously-operating mechanism; and a connecting mechanism actuated by said cam mechanism for operating said delivering mechanism in one direction and for operating the magazine to deliver t-argets to the delivering,mechanism.

109. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a continuously-operating means for actuating said accelerating means; a c'am mechanism; a clutch adapted to lock said cam mechanism with said continuously-operating means; spring-actuated levers operating against said cam; a trip mechanism for said clutch mechanism, said cam mechanism, tripping mechanism and clutch mechanism exerting force in a forward direction on said cam mechanism, in each position of the cam mechanism.

110. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating actuating means; a cam mechanism comprising a delivering-cam and magazine-cam spring-actuated levers for operating against said cam, the cam-lever operating upon the magazine-cam being arranged to be at the point, X', when the lever upon the delivering-cam is at the point, X; a clutch mechanism for locking said cam mechanism with said continuously-operating mechanism; and means for tripping said clutch mechanism.

111. In a target-trap,the combination of the cams, S and T, the cam, S, having theworlring part, s2, the straight portion, s3, and escape portion, s4, the cam T, having the shoulder, t, working portion, t', the straight portion, t2 and escape-surface, t3; a delivering mechanism; the magazine; a connecting mechanism operating upon and cams for actuating said delivering mechanism and magazine; and the clutch mechanism for locking said cam mechanism with the continuouslyoperating mechanism.

112. In a target-trap, the combination of a continuously-operating accelerating means; means for delivering targets to said means; a pull mechanism for controlling said delivering mechanism; means for automatically throwing said delivering mechanism out of action after a single delivering operation.

113. In a target-trap, the combination of a IOO continuously-operating actuating means; the friction-disk, P; the clutch-disk, Q; the clutch-dog, q; the trip-shoulder,r',` the trip.- arm, U; the clutch-dog, q', having a trip part thereon adapted to come into the path of the shoulder, r' and the swinging arm, U; a stop, r2; a stop-dog, Q6; a trip-plate ou said stop-l dog, Q6, adapted to come in the path ot' the trip-arm, U; the delivering-cam, S, on said clutch-plate, Q, having the working surface, s2, the straight portion, s3, and escape portion, s4; the magazine-cam, T, on said clutchplate, Q, having the shoulder, t, working portion, zf, straight portion, t2, and escape portion, 3, thereon; levers operating upon said cams; a swinging delivering mechanism; a link connecting the lever working upon the delivering-cam with said swinging delivering mechanism; a magazine; a link connecting the magazine mechanism with the lever operating upon the magazine-cam, said magazine comprising a stop-dog anda presser-dog, and adapted to be operated by said cams to keep the stop-dogs normally closed and the presserdogs normally open.

114. Inatarget-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; mechanism for deliver.-

Y ing targets from a magazine tosaid accelerating means; the magazine comprising a frame-ring, m, a stop-dog, m8, pivoted in said frame; a presser-dog, m15, also pivoted in said frame and adapted to engage the next i tothe lowermost target; means for actuating said stop dog; a spring secured to said presser-dog and tending to move said presserdog inwardly; a connecting mechanism between said presser-dog and stop-dog for preventing the outward movement ot' the presserdogs7 except with an outward movement of the stop-dog, said connecting mechanism being disengaged from the presser-dog when the presser-dog engages the target.

115. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; mechanism for delivering targets from a magazine to said accelerating means; the magazine comprising a frame-ring, m, stop-dogs, m8, pivoted therein; presser-dogs, m15, also pivoted therein adapted to engage the neXt to the lowermost target; a mechanism connecting the presserdog with the stop-dog, said mechanism preventing an inwardmovement of the presserdog except with an outward movement of the stop-dog and compelling an outward movement of the presser-dog with an inward movement of the stop-dog; a spring tensioned on said presser-dog and tending to press said presser-dog inwardly.

116. In a target-trap, the combination of a tilting frame; a magazine carried by said frame; and means for maintaining said magazine at a iiXed angle to a horizontal plane.

117. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a swinging delivering mehanism for delivering a target to said means; a CQDtinuously-operating mechanism for actuating said accelerating means ;-means ceases for coupling said delivering mechanism with said .continuously-operating means for moving said delivering mechanism 1n one direction; and a pull mechanism operating upon said coupling mechanism to give to said de- Y livering mechanism one movement only, either a delivering or a return movement with a single operation of the pulling mechanism.

11S. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a swinging delivering mechanism for delivering a target to said means; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said accelerating means; means for coupling said'delivering mechanism with said continuously-operating means for moving said delivering mechanism in one direction; a pull mechanism operating upon said coupling mechanism to give to said delivering mechanism one movement only, eithera delivering or a return movement with a single operation of the pulling mechanism; and a mechanism having a single operation for effecting two pulls at cach single operation.

119. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a swinging delivering mechanism for delivering a target to said means; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said accelerating means; means for coupling said delivering mechanismv with said continuously-operating means for moving said delivering mechanism in one direction; a pull mechanism operating upon said coupling mechanism to give to said delivering mechanism one movement only, either a delivering or a return movement with a single operationof the pulling mechanism; a crank; and mechanism actuated by said crank for operating said pull mechanism twice, with each revolution of the crank.

120. In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a swinging delivering mechanism for delivering a target to said means; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said accelerating means; means for coupling said delivering mechanism with saidcontinuously-operating means for moving said delivering mechanism in one direction; a pull mechanism operating upon said coupling mechanism to give to said delivering mechanism one movement only, either a delivering or a return movement with a single operation ot' the pulling mechanism; an electric releasing mechanism forsaid pull mechanism; and a switch operating with one complete movement for making two pulls on the pulling mechanism.

121. 'In a target-trap, the combination of an accelerating means; a swinging delivering mechanism for delivering a target to said means; a continuously-operating mechanism for actuating said accelerating means; means for coupling said delivering mechanism with said continuously-operating means for moving said delivering mechanism in one direction; a pull mechanism operating upon said coupling mechanism to give to said delivering mechanism one movement only,- either a- IIO 

